WASHINGTON--The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today hosted a roundtable discussion with Viktória Mohácsi and representatives of OSCE Embassies on the situation of Romani people the OSCE region.

Ms. Mohácsi (pictured in center) served as a Hungarian Member of the European Parliament for five years – one of only two Romani MEPs. She is in the United States to receive Human Rights First’s 2010 Human Rights Award.

While in the European Parliament, Ms. Mohácsi co-sponsored a resolution that was adopted on the situation of Roma in the European Union. She has previously worked for the European Roma Rights Center and the Hungarian Government. In 2009, Ms. Mohácsi received an International Women of Courage Award from the United States Department of State.

Photos from the event are available for press and public use here and here.

Commission Co-Chairmen, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) have dedicated significant efforts to combating hate crimes against Roma and ensuring equal access to education and housing for Roma. Congressman Hastings was among the first elected leaders to decry the current forced expulsions of Roma from France.

“Helsinki Commission Chair Rep. Chris Smith is honored for his efforts to promote an end to the division of Cyprus, with Alexis Galanos, President, Union of Cypriot Municipalities and Mayor of Famagusta, Cyprus. (June 2015)